A delegation of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates visited the headquarters of the Counter-Terrorism Agency in Indonesia.
Prof. Abbas Shouman, President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, emphasized that al-Azhar is the world’s most prestigious educational and religious institution. He noted that al-Azhar has numerous bodies dedicated to promoting moderation and balance. He added that the Organization was founded by Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of al-Azhar, to maintain communication between al-Azhar and its graduates and to support them in spreading the moderate Azhari approach.
He pointed out that the Organization includes many areas that work to consolidate moderation, promote the values of peaceful coexistence, and that it is ready to train and qualify cadres, respond to the suspicions posed by extremist groups, and attract and recruit young people.
Major General Wael Bekhit, Vice-President of the Organization, stated that the Organization is working to refute extremist ideas through a series of publications titled “Refuting Extremist Ideology.” These publications are prepared by a group of senior scholars from al-Azhar ash-Sharif to address the doubts promoted by terrorist groups.
Additionally, he explained that the Organization is committed to protecting children from polarization through various publications, including Noor Magazine and its many cartoon series. Furthermore, Prof. Abdul Dayyem Nusseir, Secretary-General of the Organization, emphasized that al-Azhar and its graduates’ Organization welcome cooperation with the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency in all fields aimed at confronting extremist ideology. He noted that the Organization runs the “Islamic Sciences E-Learning Program” under the supervision of al-Azhar University. This program allows those who find it difficult to attend al-Azhar directly to receive education in Islamic sciences. It is one of the most important programs aimed at spreading Islamic sciences according to the moderate Azhari approach.
Mr. Andhika Chrisnayudhanto, Deputy for International Cooperation at the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency, confirmed that they are ready and willing to cooperate with al-Azhar and the Organization to benefit from al-Azhar’s approach in confronting extremist ideology and terrorism.
He added: “We will consider concluding a memorandum of understanding to benefit from the expertise of the Organization and al-Azhar in training and qualifying specialists in countering terrorism and in responding to the doubts spread by extremist groups.”
